In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are diving into our most visited Utah park – Bryce Canyon National Park!  Get ready to discover why this smaller park packs a massive punch with its otherworldly hoodoo formations. Tune in to hear our own stories in this amazing park, tips for avoiding crowds, and why even a short visit to Bryce Canyon will leave you spellbound. Join us as we discuss… Why Bryce Canyon is our most visited Utah park, and the unique charm that keeps us coming back for more The stunning, otherworldly hoodoo formations and the Native American legends behind these incredible rock pillars The best way to experience the main amphitheater, including must-do hikes like the Queen's Garden Trail with its cool tunnels and famous "Queen Victoria" hoodoo Our favorite viewpoints like Sunrise Point, home to our beloved "octopus tree," and Sunset Point, where you can spot Thor's Hammer and the impressive Wall Street Tips for visiting, including why commuting to Bryce Canyon is a bad idea due to limited parking, and how our itinerary can help How you can explore Bryce Canyon year-round, even in the winter, and which trails are safest when icy We hope you're as excited about Bryce Canyon as we are! It's a truly unique park that offers incredible experiences, whether you have a few hours or a couple of days. You’re going to  feel the magic with this park, regardless of how much time you're able to spend there. Don't forget to check out our Bryce Canyon itinerary at DirtInMyShoes.com to make your trip planning easy!  Your task for today: We want to know: which Bryce Canyon amphitheater view are you most excited to see – the close-up hoodoos from Sunrise or Sunset Point, or the bird's-eye view from Bryce Point? Let us know on the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page! For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources and deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes. .................................... Are you hoping for an epic and stress-free national park trip? Check out these FREE resources to make trip planning a breeze! Master Reservation List – learn about the camping, lodging, and activity reservations required for every park. National Parks By Month List – see the best parks to visit during every month of the year. National Parks Checklist – track where you’ve been and where you still need to go. National Parks Packing List – pack the essentials to be confident and prepared as you explore the parks. And for more information about Bryce Canyon National Park, check out all of our Bryce Canyon podcast episodes! ....................................

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we're spotlighting a gem that's easy to miss: Walnut Canyon National Monument.  We’re here to tell you why you should definitely add this spot to your itinerary, especially if you're cruising between the Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest. It's small, it's packed with history, and it's got some seriously cool cliff dwellings!  Join us as we discuss… Why this small park is the perfect pit stop for a dose of ancient history The epic 60-million-year story of how Walnut Creek carved this canyon (Spoiler: it involves a lot of time and a little bit of water) Who the Sinagua people were and why they're different from other ancestral Puebloans in the Southwest  What you can do in this small but mighty park Why this monument has opening and closing hours (it's not just to be annoying, we promise!) We hope you're ready to add Walnut Canyon to your must-see list! It's an incredible place to experience a piece of Native American history up close. So, hit the island trail, soak in the views, and as always, get some dirt in your shoes! Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook and Instagram page for more travel planning and ideas!!  For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources and deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes. .................................... Are you hoping for an epic and stress-free national park trip? Check out these FREE resources to make trip planning a breeze! Master Reservation List – learn about the camping, lodging, and activity reservations required for every park. National Parks By Month List – see the best parks to visit during every month of the year. National Parks Checklist – track where you’ve been and where you still need to go. National Parks Packing List – pack the essentials to be confident and prepared as you explore the parks. And for more information about Grand Canyon or Petrified Forest, check out our Grand Canyon Podcast Episodes and Petrified Forest Podcast Episodes! ....................................

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring Capitol Reef National Park! We love this place because it's basically Utah's Mighty 5 jammed into one incredible park. The things you can see here are truly jaw-dropping!  We're not just talking about the scenic drive today; we're digging into the really cool and quirky things that make this park stand out. Join us as we explore the hero story of Capitol Reef. Join us as we discuss… ​​Why this park defies Utah's flat landscape  What makes the Waterpocket Fold here so stunning An insane fact about the Entrada Sandstone in this park (prepare to have your mind blown!) Why this park is an ancient life hotspot (one of the best in the world!) A surprising fact about the people who lived here  We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about Capitol Reef, or as the Navajo people call it, the Land of the Sleeping Rainbow! There is so much to this park if you just look a little deeper, and we hope you get a chance to get out there and explore it soon.  Today’s Task: What is your home park? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook and Instagram page and let us know!  For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources and deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes. .................................... Are you hoping for an epic and stress-free national park trip? Check out these FREE resources to make trip planning a breeze! Master Reservation List – learn about the camping, lodging, and activity reservations required for every park. National Parks By Month List – see the best parks to visit during every month of the year. National Parks Checklist – track where you’ve been and where you still need to go. National Parks Packing List – pack the essentials to be confident and prepared as you explore the parks. And for more information about Capitol Reef, check out these Capitol Reef Free Resources. ....................................

Get ready to celebrate Independence Day the national park way! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re sharing our favorite national parks to visit during the 4th of July.  From dazzling fireworks displays in gateway towns to unique park experiences, we'll give you the inside scoop on where to have a truly spectacular and patriotic holiday surrounded by America's natural beauty. Join us as we discuss… John's memories of epic 4th of July celebrations in Jackson Hole   The appeal of celebrating Independence Day near national parks   Some of the fantastic gateway towns that offer memorable 4th of July experiences   Our favorite 4th of July experiences in national parks (and what made them so special)   One national park destination we don't recommend for the 4th of July (and why) Whether you're looking for the perfect place to see fireworks after a day of hiking or simply want to soak in the patriotic spirit amidst stunning landscapes, we hope this episode sparks some ideas for your next 4th of July adventure! Today’s Task: We'd love to hear about your favorite national park to celebrate the 4th of July! Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share your top picks in our post. For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources and deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes. .................................... Are you hoping for an epic and stress-free national park trip? Check out these FREE resources to make trip planning a breeze! Master Reservation List – learn about the camping, lodging, and activity reservations required for every park. National Parks By Month List – see the best parks to visit during every month of the year. National Parks Checklist – track where you’ve been and where you still need to go. National Parks Packing List – pack the essentials to be confident and prepared as you explore the parks. ....................................

Ready to rev your engines and explore the best of America's (and Canada's!) national parks? Join us in this episode of Exploring the National Parks as we round up our all-time favorite road trips- perfect for this road trip season!  From the stunning peaks of the Pacific Northwest to the iconic landscapes of the Southwest, we're sharing our top tips and must-see destinations. And because every great road trip needs great snacks, we're even pairing each route with a fun potato-themed dish!   Join us as we discuss: A 10-day adventure through Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky An epic journey through the Pacific Northwest, featuring towering redwoods and fiery volcanoes A 14-day trip through the Canadian Rockies, complete with jaw-dropping glaciers A jam-packed Black Hills road trip in South Dakota, where you can experience a ton of amazing sites without spending too much time in the car A grand tour of the Southwest, hitting nine national parks in 14 days and encountering landscapes so otherworldly, you won't believe they're on Earth We hope you found this episode helpful and that it inspires you to plan your own perfect road trip this summer! You can find more details on each of these road trips in Episode 87, Episode 21, Episode 25, Episode 29, and Episode 15. And don't forget your potato delicacies! For your task today, let us know which road trip you’re most excited for! Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share your pick! For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes. .................................... Are you hoping for an epic and stress-free national park trip? Check out these FREE resources to make trip planning a breeze! Master Reservation List – learn about the camping, lodging, and activity reservations required for every park. National Parks By Month List – see the best parks to visit during every month of the year. National Parks Checklist – track where you’ve been and where you still need to go. National Parks Packing List – pack the essentials to be confident and prepared as you explore the parks. ....................................

Get ready for a wild and informative journey to one of Utah's hidden gems! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are spilling all the details on Capitol Reef National Park.  We'll share our personal experiences, from navigating the park's unique landscape to indulging in some seriously delicious pie. If you're planning a Utah road trip or simply dreaming of stunning red rock scenery, this episode is your ticket to Capitol Reef!   Join us as we discuss… Capitol Reef's location in relation to Utah's "Mighty Five" Capitol Reef's mind-bending tilted rock formations that look almost unreal The Fruita Historic District, the park's hub for history, orchards, and, of course, pie! Must-hike trails, including Hickman Bridge and Cassidy Arch Exploring Capitol Reef's wild side: Unpaved roads and backcountry adventures Why Capitol Reef deserves more than just a quick stop Details about our new Capitol Reef itinerary We hope you enjoyed exploring Capitol Reef with us! This park is an absolute must-visit – add it to your list!  If you want help planning your trip, head over to DirtInMyShoes.com and use code REEF25 for 25% off the Capitol Reef Itinerary! Your task for today: We want to know what you are most excited about for your trip to Capitol Reef. Are you captivated by Cathedral Valley? The Burr Trail? Or the unique Fruita area, where all the Utah national parks seem to converge? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Instagram or Facebook page and let us know! For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes. .................................... Are you hoping for an epic and stress-free national park trip? Check out these FREE resources to make trip planning a breeze! Master Reservation List – learn about the camping, lodging, and activity reservations required for every park. National Parks By Month List – see the best parks to visit during every month of the year. National Parks Checklist – track where you’ve been and where you still need to go. National Parks Packing List – pack the essentials to be confident and prepared as you explore the parks. And for more information about Capitol Reef, check out all of our Capitol Reef Podcast Episodes. ....................................

Get ready to have your mind blown by some Crater Lake National Park fun facts! Sure, it's got that insanely blue water, but this park is hiding some seriously epic secrets.  We're diving deep (pun intended!) into the crazy volcanic history of the park, sharing some jaw-dropping facts that'll make you see Crater Lake in a whole new light. Come along as we dive into the science, history, and mythology of one of America’s most stunning national parks!  Join us as we discuss: The colossal volcanic eruption that made Crater Lake one of the largest explosions the Cascades has seen in a million years  Why the eruption left such a mark on the native people that they considered the area too sacred to even look at   The massive eruption that was so large that the volcano literally lost 8,000 feet off its peak The mystery of the lake so deep, it holds the title of the deepest in the entire United States The shocking purity of Crater Lake's legendary blue water We hope you enjoyed learning all about Crater Lake National Park with us! We barely scratched the surface of this incredible park, but we hope you get a chance to get out there and see this stunning park for yourself.  For your mission today, tell us: What's calling to you most at Crater Lake? Is it the powerful story of the volcano, the crater left by Mount Mazama, or the unbelievably blue lake? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page to let us know! For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.   ....................................   Are you hoping for an epic and stress-free national park trip? Check out these FREE resources to make trip planning a breeze! Master Reservation List – learn about the camping, lodging, and activity reservations required for every park. National Parks By Month List – see the best parks to visit during every month of the year. National Parks Checklist – track where you’ve been and where you still need to go. National Parks Packing List – pack the essentials to be confident and prepared as you explore the parks.   And for more information about Crater Lake, check out these Crater Lake Podcast Episodes and Crater Lake Trip Planning Articles.   ....................................

Afraid of bears while exploring the national parks? You’re not alone! In this episode, we are diving headfirst into the hairy topic of bears in the parks.  From close encounters to bear spray strategies, we’re tackling all your burning questions. Join us as we help you learn how to keep yourself (and your snack-sized children) safe in bear country!  Join us as we discuss: Our heart-pounding close encounters with bears, and what we did (or almost did!) to avoid becoming a bear's snack Why your voice is the best bear deterrent, and why bear bells aren’t nearly as helpful as you might think Repeat after us: "Do not run, do not run, do not run!" Why this is the ultimate survival tip, even when a baby seal is involved How to keep the furry residents of national parks healthy by mastering the art of food storage Pro tips for spotting the difference between different types of bears The surprising reason why leaving food in your car is a recipe for disaster (and a bear-y inconvenient problem) The parks to visit if you really WANT to see a bear The power of bear spray and how it can save you from a close encounter of the furry kind Our tips for navigating bear country with kids, and why keeping them close is key The dos and don’ts of using bear spray safely and effectively We hope you find these tips helpful while you’re out exploring the national parks. Trust us, the trails and the views are absolutely worth getting your black belt in bear skills.  Don’t forget your task for today! We want to hear your bear stories! Bonus points if you include a picture. Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and share! For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.

Ever looked into the heart of a volcano? In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are going on a journey to Crater Lake National Park, a place where the deepest blue water meets some dramatic volcanic landscapes.  We are so excited to explore this park because it has magic, whimsy, and even some romantic elements! Join us as we dive into the details, from navigating seasonal closures to finding the perfect romantic viewpoint. Tune in to hear: Our insider tips for navigating the park's tricky seasonality, including when to hit the rim drives and avoid major closures What you’ll want to know about Crater Lake Lodge and your base camp for exploring this park Why the hemlock trees at Crater Lake are Ash's absolute favorite, and where to find some gorgeous wildflowers Closures to be aware of in 2025 and 2026 The scoop on the best viewpoints, including the Watchman Overlook and the challenging but rewarding Cleetwood Cove Trail Why Phantom Ship is Ash’s favorite part of the park and where to find it The best family-friendly trail where you can spot a stunning waterfall We hope you enjoyed exploring Crater Lake with us!  This park will absolutely take your breath away. If you're planning a trip, make sure to head over to DirtInMyShoes.com and check out our Crater Lake page to stay up to date on everything going on in this park. Don’t forget your task for today! There are three main options for hikes in this park, and we want to know  which one you are most excited about. Do you want to go on the Castlecrest Trail and see 200 different types of wildflowers in one spot? Do you want to switch back down the cliffs to the lakeshore and actually be able to touch the water and go on a boat tour? Or  do you want to hike to the top of a peak? Head over to our Facebook or Instagram page and let us know! For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip-planning started, check out the full show notes.

Alright, Yellowstone fans! We're diving deep into the park we all know and love (almost as much as Ash loves scoring Savannah Bananas tickets!)  Today, we're getting into the nitty-gritty information you’ll want to know before you go. Forget the fluffy stuff; we're talking real-deal tips and sticky situations to avoid so you can make sure your trip is epic and not a total bison-traffic jam disaster. Get ready for the inside scoop on how to actually ENJOY Yellowstone, even when it's bursting with visitors, by learning: The shocking reality of Yellowstone's size and why your "quick drive" is probably a multi-hour adventure Why booking your lodging 13 months in advance is the golden ticket to staying in the park (and how to snag those glorious cancellations!) How to ditch the crowds and experience Yellowstone's magic without feeling like you're at a crowded rock concert Why timing is everything in Yellowstone, and how to avoid the "mushy" in-between seasons  An important reminder about the wildlife in this park We hope you're ready to tackle Yellowstone like a pro! If you want some additional help planning your trip to this incredible national park, then head over to DirtInMyShoes.com and check out our Yellowstone itinerary!  Your task for today: We know our community is a wealth of knowledge, so if you have any tips or advice for visiting Yellowstone that we didn’t discuss today, please share! Head over to our Facebook or Instagram pages at Dirt In My Shoes and share your wisdom with us! For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes.